Biography

Billy Lance Swan, 12 May 1942, Cape Giradeau, Missouri, USA. Swan grew up listening to country stars such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell and then fell under the spell of 50s rock n rollers. At the age of 16, he wrote Lover Please, which was recorded by a local plumber who also had an early morning television show, Mirt Mirley And The Rhythm Steppers. Elvis Presleys bass player, Bill Black, approved and recorded it with his Combo in 1960 before passing it to Clyde McPhatter. McPhatters version went to number 7 on the US charts, but was overshadowed in the UK by the Vernons Girls, whose version made number 16. Swan, who had insurance money as a result of losing an eye in an accident, moved to Memphis, primarily to write for Bill Blacks Combo. He befriended Presleys uncle, Travis Smith, who was a gate guard at Graceland. Soon, Swan was also minding the gate and attending Elvis late-night visits to cinemas and...